"Staff (from the City of Scottsdale Planning Department) stated to the school that the field lights could be used for school functions once they met the case stipulations, ordinances, and policies," City of Scottsdale senior planner Jesus Murillo said to azcentral sports in an email. "Planning staff has not been on the property since the first game to analyze the progress of the lights.

"Staff will revisit the situation once the school feels that they are ready to provide evidence of their conformance, or if the lights are used in a manner that is considered a violation. There are certain light levels and intensities that the school will have to meet in order to use the lights for anything other than testing."

Last week, the AIA executive board informed Notre Dame that it violated contact rules with its summer football course that had players in full pads. It also decided to hold off another month to have time to look into a possible recruiting violation with a letter sent to youths.

azcentral sports received a copy of the letter Gmelich sent to parents Tuesday.

I write to you today to share information about recent communications received by NDP from the Arizona Interscholastic Association as well as information related to NDP's field lights.

On Thursday, September 15, NDP received a communication from the Arizona Interscholastic Association stating that the AIA has judged that NDP violated AIA bylaw 16.8.2 related to "Outside of Season Football Activities". NDP will reply to the notification in the time allotted by the AIA. Upon closure of the matter, NDP will communicate with NDP's football students and their parents.

The AIA has also contacted NDP asking us to review the circumstances related to a letter we sent to 6th-8th grade students regarding NDP's summer program offerings. NDP has acknowledge receipt of the request and is following the guidelines set forth by the AIA for response. Again, upon closure of the matter, NDP will communicate with NDP's football students and their parents.

Additionally, I want to inform you that NDP continues to work cooperatively with the City of Scottsdale regarding the use of the lights on Bemis Field. Unfortunately, we are experiencing serious challenges with our light vendor and has been unable to close the project according to the timeline upon which we agreed. NDP's legal counsel and the Diocese of Phoenix have worked aggressively to resolve the matter amicably with the vendor. We expect to provide additional updates regarding the use of the field this week.

Jim Gmelich

NOTE: The actual AIA bylaws violated were 23.8.1 and 23.8.2. They prohibit use of shoulder pads and helmets during "out of season" football activities. A penalty has yet to be determined. Notre Dame was given 10 days to respond to the AIA's letter, which it received last week.